The Enemies Within: How railway track theft endangers Abuja-Kaduna train operations (Video)
The Enemies Within: How railway track theft endangers Abuja-Kaduna train operations (Video)
Story from Aisha Auyo & Musa Sakinat
A shocking incidence of theft in the railway tracks along the Abuja-Kaduna route was discovered, creating significant safety concerns and threatening the smooth operations of the popular train service.
The theft, believed to be the work of unidentified criminals, has raised alarm among authorities and commuters.
The theft came to light when train operators performing routine inspections noticed a substantial loss of notes in the tracks along the route.
READ ALSO: Passengers trek as Abuja-Kaduna train misses track (Video)
Subsequent investigations confirmed the theft, leaving authorities puzzled and passengers troubled about their safety.
Watch the full video here
The Abuja-Kaduna railway line is vital to the transport infrastructure of Nigeria, connecting the federal capital, Abuja, to the northern economic hub, Kaduna. It has been a lifeline for many commuters, offering a safe and efficient mode of transportation since its inauguration. However, this incident has now exposed a grave risk to the safety of thousands of daily travelers.
The stolen tracks not only underscore the audacity of the criminals involved but also reveal a blatant disregard for the safety of innocent people. The absence of these tracks poses a direct threat to train operations, potentially leading to derailments and accidents.
Recall that Neptune Prime reported on the 15th of this month that
passengers were compelled to disembark and transport their luggage on foot when a train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna unexpectedly veered off its intended route, following an alternate path.
In a captured video, an individual remarked that the situation could have been worse had the train been moving at higher speeds.
Another individual in the video was seen to be shocked as to why the train missed the track.
Please watch the video below
This dangerous situation has raised concerns about the well-being of passengers, train crew, and even nearby communities.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has swiftly responded to the incident, working closely with security agencies to investigate the theft and apprehend those responsible. Security measures have been bolstered along the route, with increased patrols and surveillance aimed at preventing any further tampering or sabotage.
To minimize disruptions and ensure passenger safety, the NRC has temporarily suspended train operations along the affected stretch. Alternative transportation arrangements are being made for passengers until the damaged tracks can be repaired and fully restored.
The theft of the Abuja-Kaduna railway tracks has sparked a national conversation on the pressing need for enhanced security measures. Authorities have pledged to allocate additional resources to prevent further incidents and protect critical infrastructure across the nation.
In the face of this setback, the NRC remains committed to restoring full functionality to the Abuja-Kaduna railway as quickly as possible. Their priority is not only to ensure the safety of passengers but also to send a strong message that such criminal acts will not be tolerated.