Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that he is saddened by the terrorist attack on a train conveying hundreds of travellers at Dutse forest in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna.
Osinbajo during his visit to Kaduna state on Tuesday described the incident as “another mindless terrorist attack on citizens.”
He said this during his visit to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna and urged Nigerians not to let the attacks break their spirit.
“I am saddened by another mindless terrorist attack on citizens.
“We must for our nation and their memories fight on and defeat the cowards who unleash terror on those not armed. They will not break our spirits and our resolve. We will prevail & our land will be secure,” Osinbajo said.
The Vice-President was accompanied by Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
A former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Ibrahim Wakkala, was among those in the hospital after he shot and injured on the train.
Earlier, the Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba, Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor, and top officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, visited the site of the terrorist attack.
The Abuja-Kaduna train is very popular as it is considered a safer transportation option compared to the roads which have been notorious for terrorist attacks.
This is, however, not the first time the train is coming under attack.
Late last year, bandits destroyed a portion of the rail tracks with explosives.
This recent attack now raises more concern among Nigerians over the degree of safety that can be guaranteed during commute.
Apart from the eight that have been confirmed dead and the 29 who sustained injuries, General Irabor said a yet to be identified number of persons were abducted.
Speaking to Channels Television at the state house when the service chiefs went for a meeting with the President, General Irabor explained that despite the efforts of security agencies, insecurity remains a constant challenge.
“The challenge of insecurity is a constant one and so the defense and security forces need to be on their toes 24/7,” he said.
While it remains unclear how many persons were actually on board when the incident occurred, a manifest released by the state government says 398 passengers bought tickets for the trip.
362 of them were validated as having boarded the train through the gate.
May God’s healing hands restore health and strength to them in Jesus name. Amen!