168 passengers still ‘missing’ from attacked Kaduna bound train
The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) said a total of 168 passengers from the 362 “validated passengers” on board the Abuja-Kaduna train which was attacked by terrorists on March 28 are still missing.
In a statement signed by the NRC Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria on Sunday, an additional 14 passengers have been confirmed to be safe, bringing the total number of safe passengers to 186.
He, however, said some 51 passengers had the phone numbers on the manifest switched off, while another 35 were ringing without response.
According to the NRC boss, a further 60 passengers had their phone numbers non-existent while another 22 people were reported missing by their families.
Okhiria also said seven coaches of the attacked train have been taken to the Rigasa Train Station, while repair works are ongoing on the rail track.
“In our quest to keep the general public informed with on-going development regarding the clearing of the incident site (recovery of the rolling stock, repairs of the track) and status of passengers that were on-board the AK 9 train of Monday, 28th March, 2022, the Corporation hereby provide the following updates as at end of work today 3rd April, 2022:
“Two (2No.) Coaches (SP 00016 and SP 00017) earlier re-railed were safely moved to Rigasa Station. This brings the total number of recovered Coaches and safely moved to NRC Stations to 7No.
“Intensive work continues on track repairs. More concrete Sleepers were moved to site while some section of twisted tracks has been straightened.
“Of the 362 validated passengers on board the attacked AK9 train service on 28th March 2022, 186 persons on the manifest are confirmed to be safe and at their various homes (additional 14 persons confirmed safe today), 51 phone numbers on the manifest are either switched off or not reachable since Tuesday morning, 35 phone numbers on the manifest are ringing but no response from the other end, 60 phone numbers on the manifest when called response non-existent, 22 persons are reported missing by their relatives, 08 persons confirmed dead,” he said.
