Published By News Editor
In its 11th update since the Kaduna bound train was attacked by terrorists on March 28, 2022, signed by Yakub Mahmood, the Deputy Director Public Relations, the Corporation said the resumption, earlier announced on May, 16, 2022, to resume on Monday has been postponed.
It said a new date will be announced soonest.
The corporation appealed to relatives of victims abducted by the terrorists to be assured of Federal Government’s responsibility of of safe rescue of all persons being held hostage.
According to the statement: “We therefore appeal, particularly to the relatives of persons held hostage to be patient and cooperate with the Corporation and the Security Agencies as the Federal Government is exploring all possible ways and means to ensure the safe release of their loved ones from captivity, soonest.”
It assured of the determination of the Corporation to continue to collaborate with the Federal Government in its uncompromising mandate of protecting the territorial integrity and internal security of Nigeria for safe guarding the lives and properties of its citizens especially as it concerns the rail sub-sector.
The NRC expresses it profound gratitude to the security agencies for their continued determination to restore the confidence of passengers on the safety of train service on all its networks.
Recall that relatives of the abducted victims being held hostage had threatened to attack the train service if it attempts to resume any commercial operation on Monday.
Addressing journalists at a press conference on May 16, 2022, they had expressed their anger at the Federal Government for directing the Corporation to resume train services on the Abuja-Kaduna corridor without first rescuing their loved ones, who are still held hostage by terrorists since March 28.
In response to their agitation, the Federal Government, on May 18, had hinted that the commercial services may be suspended, even as it assured that all efforts are being out in place to ensure the safe return of all those abducted a d are still held hostage by the terrorists.
About 69 people are believed to be in the terrorists den.
A pregnant woman and one of the abductees was only recently released by the abductors on what they called “compassionate grounds”.
The expectant mother upon reuniting with her family had appealed to the Federal Government to negotiate with the terrorists and pave the way for the release of others who are still held captive.
The woman, who recalled that they were humanly treated, fed and clothed throughout by the terrorists, was the second person to be released on compassionate ground by the terrorists.
On April 7, 2022, the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture Mr Alwan Ali-Hassan was released by the abductors on health grounds. The abductors said he was released due to his age and in the spirit of the Ramadan.