NRC calls for community support against train attacks

By Fidelis Ugbomeh

Worried about increasing incident of pelting stones at trains on motion by suspected criminal elements, management of Nigerian Railway Corporation +NRC) has assured passengers that the security agencies are working tirelessly to secure railway corridors and safeguard passengers.

The latest incident occurred around Kilometer 177 along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, where some unknown persons reportedly gathered along the rail track and pelted stones at a moving train, leading to damage to the windscreen of the leading locomotive engine.

The Corporation notes with deep concern that within the last two weeks, similar attacks have also been witnessed in other locations, including Gidan Busa/Sarki Gora Village, Kakau District, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, among others, a development that is posing serious danger to railway operations, passengers, and operational personnel.

According to a statement signed by chief public relations officer of the corporation, similar incidents have so far been recorded in more than six locations along the corridor, thereby worsening the already challenging and stressful operational conditions under which the Corporation continues to provide essential transport services to Nigerians.

The NRC stated that these persistent attacks not only endanger lives and damage critical railway infrastructure, but also constitute acts of economic sabotage capable of disrupting national transportation and undermining the huge investments of the Federal Government in the railway sector.

Despite the unfortunate development, train operations have continued with necessary safety precautions and strict operational vigilance by railway personnel who have continued to demonstrate commitment and professionalism in ensuring that passengers reach their destinations safely.

The Corporation is currently working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen surveillance along the corridor, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice.

The NRC also enjoined residents and communities along railway corridors to support efforts aimed at protecting railway infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities and discouraging criminal attacks on trains and railway installations.

Management further noted that continuous attacks on railway operations could negatively affect smooth service delivery if urgent collective action is not taken to curb the menace.