After the terrorist attack of March 28, this year, on the Abuja-Kaduna bound passenger train, which led to the suspension of train service, till date, the managing director of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Engr. Fidet Okhiria, said the corporation has lost estimated ticket sales revenue of N351million between March and August this year.
While describing the attack as unfortunate, he said, government is making frantic efforts to ensure the remaining abductees are released safety.
According to him, “The federal government has set up a committee headed by the permanent Secretary, Dr. Macdalin Ajani, with other members drawn from the relevant agencies to recommend lasting solution that will enhance safety of passengers on board trains along the railway lines especially the Abuja-Kaduna railway corridor so as to forestall future reoccurrence.”
The NRC boss also disclosed that the government is also looking at the possibility of deploying modern technology like the use of drones to track down criminal elements.
Okhiria also pointed out that about four staff of the corporation are still under the captivity of the terrorists, adding that, families of the victims should be patient.
He enjoined Nigerians to protect railway infrastructure as it will, in the long run, lead to economic prosperity as the cost of moving freight and passengers will be at a reduced cost.
He also stated that the Lagos to Ibadan passenger train service is still very much operational, adding that, passenger traffic along the Lagos-Ibadan railway corridor has improved.
On the evacuation of freight on the new standard gauge railway line from Apapa port to Kajola, Abeokuta and Moniya train stations, he said, plans are underway to commence operations by November this year after the roads linking the freight stations must have been completed.
