The Nigerian Railway Corporate (NRC) says it will work relentlessly with security agencies to ensure that those kidnapped in the Match 28 terror attack on the Abuja-Kaduna bound train are rescued.
The NRC’s Managing Director, Fidit Okhiria, made this known in a statement made available to reporters on Monday.
He said the corporation was working assiduously with security agencies to ensure the rescue of abductees and that they are reunited with their families.
“We are committed to the rescue of our passengers and staff who were on board the ill-fated Ak9 train service.
“We shall continue to collaborate with security agencies to ensure that all persons being held are rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.
“Our heart goes out to those who lost loved ones and those injured in the attack who are now recuperating,” he said.
The managing director stated that out of the 362 validated passengers on board the train, 191 had been affirmed safe and were in their different homes.
“Five others were confirmed safe on April 4. About 46 phone numbers on the manifest are still either switched off or not reachable.
“Thirty-three phone numbers are ringing but not answered and 62 phone numbers are responding to be non-existent,” he said.
Okhiria disclosed that 22 people had so far been reported missing by relatives while eight people had been confirmed dead.
He stated that the train had 20 crew members on board.
“Seven NRC staff, five are safe and two missing. Ten janitors, six are safe, three missing and one dead. Also one caterer is safe while two are missing,” he said.
Okhiria said that an additional coach, SP 00020, had been re-railed and moved safely to Rigasa Station, making the total number of recovered coaches that have been safely moved to the NRC stations to eight
“This is bringing the total number of recovered coaches that have been safely moved to NRC stations to eight.
“Intensive track repair works have been ongoing to enable the recovery of the remaining coaches and locomotives,” he said.
Mr Okhiria promised to keep the public updated on the incident to prevent speculations and misinformation.