The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised fresh concerns over rising attacks on its train operations rail corridor after suspected villagers recently stoned a moving train along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
The Corporation said the attack on the train took place at about kilometre 177 on the Abuja-Kaduna highway where a group of unidentified persons gathered at the rail track and threw stones at a passing train damaging the windscreen of the lead locomotive.
Mr Callistus Unyimadu, the NRC’s spokesman, said the development was alarming and similar incidents have been recorded in the last two weeks including Gidan Busa/Sarki Gora Village in Kakau District, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“During this time, there have been about six attacks recorded along the corridor and they pose serious risks to passenger safety, railway staff and critical infrastructure,” the statement said.
The statement said the repeated acts were not only dangerous but also amounted to economic sabotage that could disrupt national transportation and undermine government investments in the railway sector.
The NRC said train services continued with strengthened safety measures and railway personnel were on the look-out to ensure passengers reached 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 the perpetrators and bring them to justice with a view to bringing an end to the attacks.
It appealed to communities living along railway lines to support the protection of railway infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities to the authorities and discouraging criminal acts.
It warned that the ongoing attacks could hinder the delivery of services unless urgent and collective action is taken.
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