NEPTUNE FEATURE: As Nigerians travel for eid-el-fitr, how secure is Abuja-Kaduna Road
Story from Haruna YUSUF
Following the attack on Kaduna bound train on the 28th of March 2022, the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) suspended all train operations on that route indefinitely, as a result of this, many travelers have returned to the use of road transportation which is also characterized by incessant attacks and kidnappings.
In view of this, Neptune Prime sought to know how secured is the Abuja-Kaduna Road which connects many states in Northern Nigeria.
When some of the stakeholders were asked if there have been an increase in travelers considering the suspension of the train operations, the Secretary, Urban Mass Transportation Jabi Abuja, Muhammad Amadu, said that there has been significant increase of passengers about insecurity along the road “it is relatively calm” Amadu said.
Similarly, a trader in Jabi Park Abuja, Malam Hassan Aminu Kano said one of his colleague was a victim of the train that was bombed by the kidnappers, “bullets pierced through his head and he died”. Aminu, therefore argued that the road transportation is more advantageous in terms of criminal attack.
“One can easily scamper for safety but in the train, passengers are confined to the mercy of the attackers.” He argued.
Another traveler, Suraj Muhammad Gama, said he just came back from Kano by road some few days back and he is set to go back through the same means because he feels safe with a security helicopter hovering above and with some security officers on ground.
He however advised the security officers not to always group themselves on one side, “there is need for them (security) to decentralized along the road for better strategy.” Gama advised.
Police Public Relations Officer of FCT Command didn’t respond to calls or text messages before press time.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
